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Overseas study tours of Municipal Councils
Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Chau Tak-hay, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding overseas study tours undertaken every year by members of the Municipal Councils, is the Government aware of:
Reply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
the number of overseas study tours undertaken by members of the Municipal Councils since 1986 and the total amount of public funds incurred;
the number of the tours mentioned in (a) above which involved the inspection of lavatories and environmental hygiene matters; and the total amount of public funds incurred on such tours;
whether the Director of Audit has conducted value for money audits on the use of public funds by the Municipal Councils on overseas study tours; if not, how the Government monitors the expenses incurred by the Municipal Councils on overseas study tours?
According to information provided by the Regional Services Department and the Urban Services Department, the Regional Council and Urban Council have, since 1986, conducted 23 and 58 overseas study tours respectively. The expenses incurred in respect of these visits by the Regional Council and the Urban Council were $9.4 million and $5.64 million respectively, making a total of $15.04 million.